THE CONSCRIPTION BONE OF CONTENTION.

Marlborough Express, Volume XLIX, Issue 249, 20 October 1915, Page 5

THE CONSCRIPTION BONE OF CONTENTION.

AN UNDECIDED GOVETtNIVnMT;

AGIIATION OF COMPULSION

ZEALOTS

(Received Oct. 20. 0.30 a.m ) LONDON, Oct. 19. The newspapers give prominence to the Manchester Guardian's outspoken leader demanding a frank statement regarding the measures required to -enable the country to fulfil its national obligations. There are a good many indications that the Government has no defined views on this subject. If so undecked, the Government- must of necessity be a weak Government. . " •

The Daily News, say's that the conscrrptionists believe that the Ministerial crisis will result in a conscriptiotiTst Ministry.', They believe that it is only necessary, to get the prudes purged from the present Government and reconstruct ,it ; . on Onrzon-OhurchilJ-Milner lines. This is fatally wrong. Such a Ministry will rouse thr country to bitter resentment. The nation is prepared for any sacrifices, but looks with profound alarm and indignation at those who are making its perils the sport of their personal ambitions.

Tl;o Dally Clironide says that unless the compulsion zealots restrain themselves they will jeopardise thr> existence of the Government, and destroy the nriity of the nation. Any attempt to rush rv decision on conscription until Lord Derby's plan is fairly nnd honestly tried is inimical to the 'best interests of the nation. The only ■way1 in which the nation can be induced to acquiesce in compulsory service is the assurance of sympathisers witlt the voluntary principle, like Mr Asqiiith, Lord Kitchener, Sir Edward Grey, ;ind Mr Ba!fom\ that the voluntary .system does not give the men needed.